First podcast in July... airs 7/16/26.  Pastor Dennis Watson shares his own ups and downs through years of marriage and ways that he has counseled couples through using earned wisdom and Biblical principles. 

It's a quick watch!  Host Connie Durham

If you're enjoying my blog and podcast, consider my online program "ReDISCover Your Spouse".  You won't be disappointed!  

Main topics covered

• The biblical call for husbands to love their wives sacrificially
• Why humility, prayer, and relying on God matter in marriage
• How the dynamic of initiation and response shapes a relationship
• The power of small, intentional acts of love
• Common misunderstandings about gender roles and communication

Key takeaways

• Loving well often requires divine help, not just effort
• Thoughtfulness and consistency build trust and connection
• Marriage works better when both people understand their roles and respond with grace
• Even small gestures can make a spouse feel seen and valued

#TheExtraordinar...

When a beautiful 40 something niece dies of cancer, it's final, it's tragic, followed by such sadness, questioning why does this happen?  One bright light snuffed out by corrosive cancer. She didn't get a choice.

We take life for granted, that there will be a tomorrow.  The truth is, there are detrimental behaviors that erode our relationships, acting like a cancer, but we do have a choice. 

Is it time to let go of the venom of bitterness, hatred, and maybe even fear fed by your past?  What if you have 5 minutes to live, what would be most important to you?  Your money? Your career?

We get stuck in our head, allowing evil voices to squash us and steal our joy.  Keeping attention on all the negative things around us, what we don't like about our spouse, how our kids are driving us nuts and we feel crushed by too many things to take care of.  Bills... work... exhaustion

Why do I share this today?

My husband and I were just talking yesterday about what our parent's taught us.  Anythi...

This weekend was the 250th Anniversary of America.  Last week's podcast (Episode 117) shares what history and marriage both teach us.  Just 2 weeks ago I had my 47th wedding anniversary and I've found that  If we don't learn from our past, we'll keep making the same mistakes over and over.  Do you agree?

Here are 5 ways you can create a marriage that last, with each one looking to clear communication so that you can rid yourselves of the things that will... hold you back from happiness.

1 - Build a strong foundation.  Decide what that means to the two of you.  Give attention to what you expect from one another.  Love, forgiveness, patience, gentleness, honesty, ambition's, achievements, kids, values, faith.  You each came from different families, explore your past.

2 - Talk about what means the most to you, and what you need most from one another in order to feel secure and build your relationship.  Print my marriage guide, "The Chemistry of Lasting Love".  Sit down together and fil...

It's Americas 250th Anniversary as a nation.  On July 2nd... (20226) you will find the full podcast that shares the story on how building a firm foundation in your marriage will propel you toward a long, lasting, and loving marriage.

https://www.theextraordinarymarriage.com/podcasts/the-extraordinary-marriage-faith-family-fortified  

Enjoy the short blog above for today.

Find "The Extraordinary Marriage" podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Connie Durham

www.theextraordinarymarriage.com 

Find the ReDISCover Your Spouse online course and begin to uncover and resolve the challenges in your marriage.

Atlanta Suburbs 

Hello Friend,

Even I'm amazed that Jeff and I have been married for 47 years!  I don't feel old enough for that to be true!  I thought all marriages were made in Heaven... but at this age I've realize that's not always true.

What makes a marriage not only last, but fall into the outstanding category? 

I'd say...

God 1st  -  Family 2nd  -   Career 3rd

• Finding things, you have in common, and doing them together
• Be self-aware, know your own kinks 
• Strive daily to have self-discipline, high standards, thoughtfulness
• Understand your different personalities... early on & letting some things slide (I didn't know this concept until 20 years ago)
• Put one another 1st... that's above your parents and your kids
• Talk about everything and meet in the middle
• Keep that LOVING FEELING by talking, thinking and being kind, supportive, and uplifting one another.

The book of Galatians 5:22 says...

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance,

kindness, goodness, & faithful...

As I sat down this morning and said a prayer for direction in what to write for this blog, I spilt my coffee on my datebook, surrounding notecards, and scattered sheets of papers. 

Sarcastically I thought GREAT, then I thought what's most important here... clean that up 1st! 

Lightbulb moment. 

Our minds are so cluttered these days with our to do list, what's going on with the kids, text popping in, YouTube videos, ads and opinions on this and that from every direction, and suddenly there's a crisis. 

My coffee went all over my work, but it made me think... there are sooo many things clouding every minute of our day... we jump from thing to thing, crisis to crisis, without THINKING... What is URGENT... what should I do first?

>The foundation of a building supports every other structure. 

     It stands or it falls.

>Godly standards & values are an imperative foundation of a vibrant life. 

     You thrive or you're miserable. 

>The Traffic rules you abide by when driv...

Hello Friend!

I just got back from the most exciting, enlightening, but also hot and tiresome 2-week tour of Italy and Greece with my husband and 50 others.  We are called the Southern Crescent Choir. 

I'm thinking what did I learn about relationships on this trip?

By the way, I am one of the little heads peeking out from behind the front line on the right above.  I'm just 5 feet, and in the second line... I had trouble seeing the music director the whole time.  Why are several of us shorties behind a tall girl... put on the front?  Who knows!  This is life, lots of things happen that we don't understand.  What do we do? 

Shrug it off and keep on going!

Keeping a thankful and positive attitude can be hard when days are long. Cathedrals are absolutely beautiful but can be so hot, you feel like you may pass out before your hour concert is done.  I wondered if people could see the sweat rolling down our faces? 

My favorite times on the trip were impromptu singing at an anci...

Memorial Day is a sacred reminder that somebody paid the price for our freedom. We do not live in liberty by accident, and we do not enjoy peace without sacrifice.

This day calls us to pause, remember, and honor those who gave all, while also asking a deeper question: How will we live in response to what has been given to us?

The answer begins in marriage and family. Strong homes are built the same way strong nations are built—through selflessness, truth, integrity, and the willingness to carry a cost for something greater than ourselves.

Love is not merely what we feel; it is what we give.

When we choose to give instead of take, we create trust,

safety, and lasting strength.

A giver builds... A taker drains.
A giver honors... A taker consumes.
A giver protects what is precious... A taker slowly erodes it.

That is why Memorial Day is more than a holiday.

It is a lesson.

It teaches us that every meaningful thing in life has a price, and the highest call of love is not to dem...

Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected,

or just plain worn out from the struggles in your family?

You're not alone.

Many women feel strained by marital conflict, personality differences, and past experiences that leave them feeling isolated and frustrated.

Misunderstandings wear on us daily, and even the smallest question or outburst can seem insurmountable. The truth is, even one spouse seeking answers can make a huge difference. If you're ready to understand how to realign your family with God's original design, this post is for you. I’ll share seven practical steps inspired by biblical principles to help you restore stability and renew love in your home—regardless of your circumstances.

Why Our Families Are Struggling Today

Historically, Scripture highlights that God's first creation was the family, making it the foundation of society. Yet, today, we see countless families under attack—brokenness, cultural shifts, and neglecting God's plan have taken a toll.

Men are often oblivious when it comes to their wife's frustration and disconnect in marriage. Did you know that 60% of moms say they feel overwhelmed and underappreciated? Maybe there are some dads feeling the same way.

We all get overwhelmed with our own personal responsibilities, forgetting to look at both sides of the coin.  Improvements begin with awareness, then willingness to do something different than you've been doing, then the big one... take ACTION!!

This is where most couples fail.  They put it off... and put it off... suddenly one day the kids are gone, and they have nothing in common and don't even care for one another's company.

Begin with 5 Conversation Starters that improve your awareness of one other's needs, which will improve your communication.  Then write down the 12 ways to enrich your marriage. ♥️ Woohoo!  You are on your way to a sweeter relationship!

Conversation Starters

1. "What’s one thing I can do this week to make you feel more loved?"

   • This qu
   ...